First established by an act of parliament in 1968. It was known as the National Archives and Records Centre (NARC) back then. With the addition of the Oral History Department, it was renamed the National Archives and Oral History Department in 1979. In 1993, the National Archives of Singapore was instituted by the National Heritage Board.
Who are they?
The National Archives of Singapore (NAS) houses the collective memory of our nation that allows current and future generations of Singaporeans to understand our different cultures, explore our common heritage and appreciate who we are and how we became a nation.
As the official custodian of the corporate memory of the government, NAS manages public records and provides advice to government agencies on records management. NAS is responsible for the collection, preservation and management of Singapore’s public and private archival records, some of which date back to the early 19th century.
NAS protects the rights of citizens by providing evidence and accountability of government actions. Its repository of archival materials makes NAS an important research centre for those in search of information about the country’s history. There are educational programmes and exhibitions to promote public interest in our nation’s history and heritage.
What do they do?
- Manages archival holdings. Acquires and preserves records of national and historical significance, records which document the rights of citizens and obligations of the government, and makes them available to the public.
- Conserves and preserves paper documents which have deteriorated.
- Implements effective records management for the civil service, and identifies important public records for permanent preservation.
- Reformats images of fragile paper records onto microfilm and digital media for effective long-term storage.
- Captures and preserves the moving images and recorded sound heritage of Singapore and organizes traveling exhibitions to bring our history to Singaporeans.
- Records memories of people who have influenced and participated in Singapore’s history through recorded interviews.
What type of services they provide?
-Records Management and Preservation
NAS implements an effective records management programme for the public service.
Vital records are scanned and output onto microfilms for preservation in climate-controlled conditions. Records with intrinsic value are carefully conserved. In 2003, NAS achieved ISO 9001:2000 certification in imaging and conservation services, in recognition of quality and operational efficiency in our key preservation processes.
-Providing Access
Public access to our collections is available through our Archives Reference Room or online at www.a2o.com.sg.
-Sharing Knowledge
NAS shares expertise with the community through consultation and training, and also conduct guided tours of NAS to educate the public on the nuts and bolts of archival work. We run regular seminars on using archival resources, records management and oral history methodology. NAS provides internships and courses on archives and records management.
-Archives Conservation Services
Archives Conservation Lab provides professional conservation services for paper records such as anoxic treatment, deacidification, leafcasting, mechanical cleaning, manual repair, tissue mounting, encapsulation and high value (rare) book binding using archival method. Our experienced conservators will be able to recommend the type of treatment(s) required and provide an estimation of the charges based on the physical condition of the records as well as offering advice on proper storage and handling methods.
Source: http://www.nhb.gov.sg/NAS/index.htm
Do they use any Social Media & Web 2.0 technologies for public communication & education?
Yes, they do.
They use the Access to Archives Online Singapore (a2O), a one-stop portal site on heritage information dating back to 17th century. a2O allows users to seamlessly search information across NHB’s various independent databases and view selected photographs, maps and plans, listen to oral history interview samplers and watch snippets of audio-visual recordings, round the clock. Information on recently acquired materials by NAS, Online Exhibitions, how to access our archival collection as well as student programmes are also provided.
Source: http://www.a2o.com.sg/a2o/public/html/#
